Aquilegia is an interesting graceful plant, a representative of the ranunculus family. Its popular name is "catchment". This flower is unpretentious and is often used to decorate flower beds and lawns. In nature, it is distributed in temperate latitudes of Europe and Russia. Currently, 120 species of this plant are known. The third name of aquilegia is eagle. The fact is that the flowers of this plant are somewhat reminiscent of eagle claws.
Catchment is a flower that can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings, as well as by dividing the bush. The first method is used mainly for ordinary, unremarkable varieties, the second and third - for more valuable ones. The bushes are divided at the end of August and planted in a new place at a distance of about 70 centimeters from each other. For cuttings, either young shoots or rosettes that appeared at the end of summer from renewal buds are taken.
Sowing with seeds is done both in spring and autumn. In the latter case, you can get more friendly shoots. The catchment is a flower that can grow on almost any soil. However, the most interesting result can only be achieved if the soil isthe site will be loose, air and water permeable. It is very good if the landing site of the catchment area is slightly shaded. He feels quite well in the sun, but at the same time smaller flowers grow on him. It is best to plant aquilegia under trees along with ferns and irises. An excellent solution would also be to use this plant to decorate a pond.
On the right, above and below you can see what aquilegia looks like (photo). Care for her includes a fairly plentiful watering. As for top dressing, during the season this plant is fertilized three times. The first time - in the spring, in May, the second - at the beginning of flowering and the third - in the fall, after it ends and the flower stalks are cut. Four-year-old watersheds are shrinking. Therefore, at this age, it is advisable to update the plants in the flower bed.
If different catchment varieties are planted close to each other, they may over-pollinate. In this case, a hybrid aquilegia will turn out. Hybrids of this plant are distinguished by originality and elegance, and therefore are often bred artificially. All varieties of eagle can be used for planting in flower beds and lawns. Even if the plant does not bloom for some reason, it will still be an excellent decoration thanks to its lovely trifoliate bluish-green leaves.
Aquilegia hybrids are best grown in seedlings. At the same time, the seeds are pre-soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate (0.1%) for half an hour, and then washed. Soil in boxesneed to be watered with a slightly pink solution a day before disembarkation. Grooves are made on the surface of the soil at a distance of about 2.5 cm from each other. Seeds are laid out in increments of about two centimeters.
Catchment is a flower that loves abundant watering, so you need to carefully monitor that the earth in the boxes does not dry out. Bushes are planted in open ground in early May. To do this, prepare a special bed with fertilized soil. The distance between the stems of individual plants should be about 10 cm. Aquilegia is transplanted to a permanent place at the end of August.
